Your CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the brain of your computer. Whether you want to check the brand, model, speed, or performance, Windows 11 makes it simple. Knowing your CPU details helps when you’re troubleshooting, upgrading, or just curious about your PC’s specs.
In this step-by-step guide, I’ll show you all the different ways you can check CPU details on Windows 11—from quick system info to advanced performance monitoring.
Why Should You Check Your CPU?
Here are some common reasons:
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✅ To see if your PC meets minimum system requirements for apps or games.
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✅ To troubleshoot slow performance issues.
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✅ To check compatibility for a Windows upgrade.
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✅ To know if your CPU supports virtualization or hyper-threading.
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✅ To compare CPUs before upgrading.
Method 1: Check CPU via Settings
Windows 11’s Settings app provides basic CPU info.
Steps:
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Press Win + I to open Settings.
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Go to System > About.
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Under Device specifications, you’ll see your Processor name, speed, and cores.
👉 This is the quickest way to find out your CPU model.
Method 2: Check CPU in Task Manager
Task Manager gives real-time CPU usage and detailed information.
Steps:
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Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
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Go to the Performance tab.
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Select CPU on the left panel.
Here, you can view:
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CPU name and model
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Number of cores and logical processors
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Base speed (GHz)
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L1, L2, L3 cache sizes
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Current CPU usage percentage
This is great for monitoring performance while gaming or multitasking.
Method 3: Check CPU with System Information
System Information gives an in-depth look at your hardware.
Steps:
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Press Win + R, type
msinfo32, and hit Enter. -
In the System Summary, look for Processor.
You’ll see detailed CPU specs including model, core count, and speed.
Method 4: Check CPU Using Command Prompt
If you prefer command-line tools:
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Press Win + S, type cmd, and open Command Prompt.
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Type the command:
This will show your CPU’s model name.
👉 For more details, run:
Method 5: Check CPU with PowerShell
Another quick command-line option:
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Open PowerShell (search in Start).
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Enter:
This provides a detailed CPU breakdown.
Method 6: Check CPU via BIOS/UEFI
If you want to see CPU info outside Windows:
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Restart your PC.
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Enter BIOS/UEFI setup (usually by pressing F2, Del, or Esc during startup).
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Look for Processor Information.
This shows CPU model, speed, and sometimes temperature.
Method 7: Use Third-Party Tools
For detailed stats, third-party software is helpful:
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CPU-Z – Shows deep CPU details (clock speeds, caches, voltage).
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HWMonitor – Displays CPU temperature and power usage.
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Speccy – Gives a full system overview, including CPU.
Tips for Checking CPU Performance
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Keep Task Manager open while running a heavy app or game to monitor CPU usage.
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If CPU usage is always above 90%, you may need an upgrade or optimization.
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Check if virtualization is enabled for running virtual machines.
Conclusion
Checking your CPU on Windows 11 is quick and easy. From Settings and Task Manager to Command Prompt, PowerShell, or third-party tools, you can find everything you need to know about your processor.
For casual users, Settings or Task Manager is enough. But if you want advanced details like cores, threads, and cache, tools like CPU-Z or HWMonitor give deeper insights.
FAQs
1. How do I know if my CPU supports Windows 11?
Check Microsoft’s official CPU compatibility list, or use the PC Health Check tool.
2. Can I check CPU temperature in Windows 11 without third-party apps?
Not directly. You’ll need BIOS/UEFI or apps like HWMonitor.
3. What’s the difference between cores and logical processors?
Cores are physical units, while logical processors (threads) allow multitasking per core.
4. How can I see real-time CPU usage?
Open Task Manager > Performance > CPU.
5. Do I need third-party software to check CPU speed?
No, you can view CPU speed in Task Manager or System Information.